1979 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2011 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Altima is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 282 kg more than 2011 Nissan Altima.
Because 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2011 Nissan Altima | |
Make | Mercury | Nissan |
Model | Grand Marquis | Altima |
Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4186 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 262 Nm | 244 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1398 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4595 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1796 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2675 mm |